Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children. Currently, significant advances in the treatment of children with retinoblastoma are being recognized and evaluated. The major treatment advance over the last 5 years has been the combination of chemotherapy and laser. Systemic chemotherapy is currently one of the main modalities in the treatment of children with retinoblastoma. Chemotherapy may be both life-saving and eye-saving and is effective leading to a high curative rate. Systemic chemotherapy and laser treatment has been reported to achieve local control of tumor in up to 80% of children with advanced disease.
Unfortunately, the drugs used may produce many side effects. The most obvious, is vomiting while receiving the drugs and sometimes for a few hours afterwards. The child may not want to eat during this time because of nausea. One of the newest drugs used against vomiting is called Zofran. Zofran practically eliminates the feelings of nausea and most children can eat and drink while receiving chemotherapy.
Another side effect is hair loss (or alopecia). The hair may begin to thin or fall out as early as a few weeks after the first course of chemotherapy. The good news is that the hair grows back rapidly after the end of the therapy. At times, it returns curlier, straighter, lighter, or a darker shade than the original hair.
A very serious side effect is fever and neutropenia. Neutropenia is the lowering of the type of white cells that fight bacterial infections. This may occur between 7-14 days after receiving a course of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy causes this effect on the bone marrow. Blood cells are made in the bone marrow. During this time of neutropenia, the person is ver susceptible to various infections. If fever over 101°F develops, the health care provider needs to be informed immediately. Preparations for admission into the hospital need to be made for treatment with antibiotics, until it is proven that no infections exist and the blood cells are getting back to normal.
Another uncommon side effect is anemia. This is when the red blood cells become very low and a blood transfusion might be needed. If the platelet counts become low and bleeding or bruises are noted, a platelet transfusion may be given. Our Institution works closely with the parents in honoring their wishes when blood products are not wanted because of their religious beliefs.
Most children tolerate their courses of chemotherapy very well with minimal side effects, and continue to grow and thrive throughout their courses of treatment
No comments:
Post a Comment